Rotary Club works to bring park to downtown Limestone

LIMESTONE, Maine — The new park downtown was organized and conceptualized by members of the Limestone Rotary Club, but members are quick to pass the credit for the park’s existence back to the community.

“The Rotary Club is administering the construction of the park and getting it done, however, it’s the community that’s actually building the park,” said Limestone Rotarian Fred Edgecomb.

While the small park currently features a community clock, gazebo and lanterns; landscaping, park benches and walkways are planned to be added this summer.

Emphasizing the community nature of the project, Limestone Rotarian Larry Zenzius said most of the materials and labor needed for the park so far have been donated by contractors and individuals.

Though the park isn’t yet completed, community members have already expressed their support for the project — it was relayed to Rotary member David King how one local 12-year-old viewed lights and garland adorning the park’s gazebo and uttered, “Wow.”

But five years ago, building a park wasn’t on Rotarians’ to-do list. Instead, they were diligently fundraising to bring a community clock to the town.

“We couldn’t find a place to put the clock, so the park came into play as sort of an alternative,” said Limestone Rotarian Pat Zenzius. “It took longer than we wanted, but it’s coming along very well now.”

From the first day club members began planning the park, it was agreed that the group would gift the park to the town once it was completed, and Rotarians said the community has been supportive of the project.

“We were very fortunate that the businesses supported us and the local community supported us,” Zenzius said.

Her husband Larry, a longtime Rotarian as well, said the club is also hoping to build a farmers market toward the back of the park so the community has a place to sell crafts and produce.

But even before the market, the group is hoping that the downtown park will serve as a place for community congregation and a great spot to read a book on a lazy summer afternoon.

“We hope that every time we go through town, there’s somebody sitting in the gazebo talking, reading or relaxing,” King said.

Located on Main Street in Limestone, across from Al-Bears Restaurant, the park’s centralized location has recently led the club to consider another community facet of the property — a possible community message board.

Whether or not the message board is realized, the community already has plans for using the park especially around the Fourth of July.

“This town has lots of ways of breaking apart — our goal is to bring it back together,” Edgecomb said. “Our goal as a Rotary Club is to try to bring the town together, and each thing that we do is all in that effort,” he said, citing the club’s “service above self” motto.

Those interested in donating to the downtown park project can contact any Limestone Rotarian or send inquiries or checks to P.O. Box 434, Limestone 04750.

While the small Rotary Club just recently concluded its part in the community-supported Christmas basket project, which provided about 100 baskets filled with everything a family would need for a holiday dinner, the club is already organizing their next big service event: the annual Fun Day is scheduled to take place Saturday, Feb. 2.